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Discussion Boards => General Discussion => Topic started by: rabmeb on November 12, 2012, 09:34:21 AM

Title: Track layouts
Post by: rabmeb on November 12, 2012, 09:34:21 AM
Hi everyone,

Can any of you recommend a source of track layouts using EZ track, numbers of straight, curve, etc?

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Track layouts
Post by: Jhanecker2 on November 12, 2012, 06:41:39 PM
Rabmeb  :  there is a Bachmann  EZ Track Planning Book . Go to  the Online Product Catalog .  Go to HO Scale , then go to EZ track Accessories .  Go down the list to the Track Planning  Book.  J2.
Title: Re: Track layouts
Post by: jward on November 13, 2012, 11:14:39 PM
what scale?
Title: Re: Track layouts
Post by: Len on November 14, 2012, 06:48:53 AM
Kalmbach Books publishes a track plan book called "101 More Track Plans" that includes HO layouts using EZ-Track, and just about all of the layouts in the Atlas 'True-Track Plan Book' can be done using EZ-Track.

Len
Title: Re: Track layouts
Post by: Jhanecker2 on November 14, 2012, 07:52:50 AM
Happen to have all of those books I like the Atlas books alot . I like the different methods they have of showing how to develope the different sub-assemblies.  J2
Title: Re: Track layouts
Post by: jward on November 14, 2012, 10:14:15 AM
i like the atlas books too.

you can pick a plan designed for atlas track, and use anyrail to redraw it for ez track.

the standard 18r, 22r curves ans 9" straights are dimensionally identical. the standard ez track 18r switch is the equivalent of an atlas 18r switch, with a 1/3 18r section added to the curved route.

most of the other curves and switches have no direct replacement in ez track which is why you need to redraw the plan with anyrail. the overall dimensions might be a little larger with ez track than with atlas, but most of the time you can make them work.
Title: Re: Track layouts
Post by: CNE Runner on November 15, 2012, 05:56:54 PM
Rab - Why don't you design your own layout? There is a free model railroad design program (well, the trial version is free) called AnyRail5 that contains a whole library of Bachmann EZ-track. AnyRail is an easy program to use and its learning curve is fairly shallow. If you design your own track plan then you decide what is important - as opposed to 'settling' for someone elses design. Give it a try.

Regards,
Ray
Title: Re: Track layouts
Post by: mf5117 on November 15, 2012, 07:04:35 PM
Go to Thortrains.com some people use this site some don't . it can give you an idea of track pieces needed and some different configurations using 18 and 22 in radius track . the above post are also good resources as well . I built my first layout from this site and went way over board from there . you'll find you'll want more and more bigger and better . I'm still not satisfied . I want to cut a hole in the wall of my home and take it to the street . good luck have a blast and happy railroading.
Title: Re: Track layouts
Post by: mf5117 on November 15, 2012, 07:07:08 PM
also try anyrail.com give you a chance to design your own layout . 50 pcs on the free trial . but gets you familiar with what you can do with your EZ TRACK
Title: Re: Track layouts
Post by: jward on November 15, 2012, 07:11:25 PM
Quote from: mf5117 on November 15, 2012, 07:04:35 PM
Go to Thortrains.com some people use this site some don't . it can give you an idea of track pieces needed and some different configurations using 18 and 22 in radius track . the above post are also good resources as well . I built my first layout from this site and went way over board from there . you'll find you'll want more and more bigger and better . I'm still not satisfied . I want to cut a hole in the wall of my home and take it to the street . good luck have a blast and happy railroading.

thor's site can give you some ideas, but you have to watch on his layouts for very sharp s curves. while those do not cause problems in the lionel type trains that are his first love, they can cause MAJOR operating headaches in HO.  my suggestion is that if you see a plan you like, post it here and we can help change it to eliminate those s curves.
Title: Re: Track layouts
Post by: mf5117 on November 15, 2012, 07:47:50 PM
yes Jward I forgot about the s curves  . I did like i said and built one of the 4x8's and there was an s curve in one of the sidings and your right I do remember posting it and did get some help . thanks for the memories .
Title: Re: Track layouts
Post by: jward on November 15, 2012, 07:57:04 PM
most of the time the fix is pretty simple, rearranging a few track components. most of old heads have been through this before, and we can spot the things that can cause trouble. very rarely does a track plan have to be completely redone from scratch.

how did your plan work out?
Title: Re: Track layouts
Post by: mf5117 on November 16, 2012, 06:55:57 PM
Actually quite well , I expanded to a 6x12 .added an upper loop and a mountain and logging yard . It's sad though , it sits there with no run time as well with my garden railroad as work and not enough time in the day just now . some day soon I hope to spend alot of time with my railroad again .
Title: Re: Track layouts
Post by: Jerrys HO on November 17, 2012, 05:44:12 PM
anyrail is a nice program to use. it helped me design and redesign my layout thirty something times. I only wish it had 3D capabilities.

Jerry
Title: Re: Track layouts
Post by: Skarloey Railway on November 18, 2012, 01:46:32 PM
Don't forget to look at the real thing. That should be your first place for finding inspiration.

And don't try to fit too much into one space.